Our Insights
Featured Insights Selected by Our Experts
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Trump 2.0
Tholos Talks with The Trade Guys, Hosted by Jake E. Jennings
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China Economic Stimulus Tracker
A comprehensive timeline of announcements and policy actions implemented by the Chinese government to stimulate economic activity.
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When Mistakes Need a Manual: China’s Guidance on Acceptable Decision-making
By Deborah Lehr, Basilinna Chair and CEO
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Silicon and Sovereignty: What Trump’s AI Pact Means for the Gulf
Talking Points by the Basilinna Team
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Why Do Culture and Heritage Matter? with Irina Bokova
Tholos Talks with Irina Bokova, Hosted by Deborah Lehr
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Is Xi Jinping Undermining China’s Path to Tech Superiority?
By Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
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Making Acquisitions in the Public Affairs Sector: Lessons from Both Sides of the Table
By Leigh Wedell, President and COO
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Trade is No Longer a Way of Opening Up Markets
With Deborah Lehr, Chair and CEO
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From the Middle Kingdom to the Saudi Kingdom: Opportunities Abound
By Yasser Elnaggar, Chair of the Middle East and Africa
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The New Trump Administration: Perspective from China
Talking Points by Gracie Sun, Chair of Asia-Pacific
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Media Type
Rising Opportunities for Business: Key Takeaways from the 11th China-Arab Business Conference
The 11th China-Arab Business Conference and 9th Investment Seminar of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum took place in Haikou, Hainan, from April 27–30, 2025, drawing over 1,000 political and business leaders from China and Arab countries.
Silicon and Sovereignty: What Trump’s AI Pact Means for the Gulf
President Donald Trump’s recent four-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates highlighted a growing shift in U.S. foreign policy, one that prioritizes technology and artificial intelligence as key levers of influence in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia’s AI Ambitions, Strategic Alliances, and the Evolving Regional Tech Landscape
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP 2025 conference announced $14.9 billion in technology investments, marking a significant push toward advancing the Kingdom’s AI and digital infrastructure. While these investments align with Riyadh’s Vision 2030, their emphasis on AI, cloud computing, data centers, and semiconductors signals a deeper strategic shift. Saudi Arabia is not merely acquiring technology—it is positioning itself as a regional powerhouse in digital infrastructure.
Beyond The Conflict, The Gaza Reconstruction Plan and Its Global Impact
Following the destruction in Gaza, two competing visions for its future emerged. The Trump administration initially proposed placing Gaza under U.S. control, forcibly relocating its Palestinian residents, and transforming the area into a luxury destination. Framed as a long-term solution, this plan was widely condemned as a violation of international law, dismissing Palestinian sovereignty and ignoring regional security complexities.
Saudi Arabia's Opportunity to Lead the Way in Global Biodiversity Protection
Saudi Arabia is rediscovering its natural assets. From the coral reefs of the Red Sea to the sweeping dunes of the Empty Quarter, the Kingdom is home to an impressive array of ecosystems and biodiversity. With this renewed focus on its natural heritage comes an unparalleled opportunity: to emerge as a global leader in protecting and valuing nature.
Driving Digital Transformation: Saudi Arabia's Giant LEAP
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a comprehensive strategy to diversify its economy and solidify its position as a global technology and innovation hub. A cornerstone of this vision is the development of a world-class digital infrastructure to support both public and private sector transformation. Key investments are being made in AI, cloud computing, smart cities, and cybersecurity.
Talking Points | Foundations for the Future: Saudi Arabia’s Infrastructure Leap
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its infrastructure transformation with an ambitious vision for the future. In 2024, the Kingdom allocated $17.3 billion to infrastructure development, with spending projected to rise to $21.3 billion by 2025. Central to this transformation are monumental projects that aim to redefine urban development, transportation, and sustainability.
Syria’s New Cabinet: A Free-Market Vision Amid Uncertainty
Syria’s interim government, formed after the collapse of the Assad regime, has announced plans to transition to a free-market economy. Led by Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir and backed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the administration is dismantling decades of state-controlled trade practices.
From Beijing to the Bosphorus: New Opportunities in China - Türkiye Trade
Türkiye-China economic relations continue to strengthen as Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek wrapped up a visit to Beijing on November 8. There he had a series of high-level meetings with China’s government and financial leadership, including Vice President Han Zheng, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, and leaders from ICBC, Bank of China, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Trump's Return: MENA Reactions, Regional Dynamics, and Economic Outlook
In the MENA region, leaders reacted to Trump’s win with cautious optimism and pragmatism, signaling both hope for continuity and wariness about Trump’s unpredictability.